Robert William Klein
Father Robert Klein was ordained in 1956 in the Duluth Diocese. Fr. Klein was arrested in September 1987 on charges of criminal sexual misconduct. The sexual abuse involved three boys, ages 15, 13 and 12 years old and one 10 year-old girl. The abuse occurred from 1985-1987 when Klein was working as a priest in the Duluth Diocese, filling in for priests as needed.
Police searched Father Klein’s residence where 700 photos were found, including ones with children in bondage. Klein pled not guilty and a trial date was set. He was found guilty during trial and was named in four civil lawsuits. Father Robert Klein’s whereabouts are unknown as of 1989.
Efforts to unseal the secret documents regarding clergy sexual abuse in the Diocese of Duluth began with the first lawsuit filed in June 2013. Since then, survivors have taken numerous actions to make the files public.
In October 2015, a jury verdict was handed down against the Diocese of Duluth in a child sexual abuse case in Ramsey County involving Fr. James Vincent Fitzgerald. On December 7, 2015, the Diocese of Duluth filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
More information on the Diocese of Duluth bankruptcy can be found at:www.andersonadvocates.com/Bankruptcy